Kaplan, yay or nay?!?!

ortess1971 · May 27, 2006

I only know of one person who took the Kaplan review-the rest did self study and/or the free course review that my hospital offers to GN's who are going to be working there. All passed the NCLEX-I personally think it's a rip-off. $300(I've heard it's up to $400 now) to teach you how to take a test? I think they are aware that most people are nervous about it so they want to cash in. I say NAY to the Kaplan review but I usually test well. If you think it may be a problem because of nerves etc. do what you have to do. Just know that there are other(cheaper) options out there.

GrnHonu99, RN · May 27, 2006

I only know of one person who took the Kaplan review-the rest did self study and/or the free course review that my hospital offers to GN's who are going to be working there. All passed the NCLEX-I personally think it's a rip-off. $300(I've heard it's up to $400 now) to teach you how to take a test? I think they are aware that most people are nervous about it so they want to cash in. I say NAY to the Kaplan review but I usually test well. If you think it may be a problem because of nerves etc. do what you have to do. Just know that there are other(cheaper) options out there.

im glad to hear you say that. I kind of thought that myself....if i need help with something its more of a content review, which kaplan isnt, if it was, id be the first one signed up. Im sure ill be fine...just nervous.

ortess1971 · May 28, 2006

I actually picked up an NCLEX guide today at Borders that offers a money back guarantee if you don't pass the boards on the first try. It seems good because there is a 500 question pre-test that helps you define your weak areas( mine was Maternity-no big surprise there! ). It also has outlines, practice questions for each area and a comprehensive test. It has a CD-Rom with additional material. The name of it is Davis's NCLEX-RN Success(2nd edition) The author's are McMillin, Nelson and Snider. It also has a free test prep consultation by phone. It cost about $42.00-which is a heck of a lot better than $300!

GrnHonu99, RN · May 28, 2006

I actually picked up an NCLEX guide today at Borders that offers a money back guarantee if you don't pass the boards on the first try. It seems good because there is a 500 question pre-test that helps you define your weak areas( mine was Maternity-no big surprise there! ). It also has outlines, practice questions for each area and a comprehensive test. It has a CD-Rom with additional material. The name of it is Davis's NCLEX-RN Success(2nd edition) The author's are McMillin, Nelson and Snider. It also has a free test prep consultation by phone. It cost about $42.00-which is a heck of a lot better than $300!

Really!?!?! I'm on my way now.

traumahawk99 · Jun 1, 2006

i woudn't spend a cent on kaplan's review. the testable material on is so broad that no quickie review course is going to make that much of a difference, other than perhaps psychological.

i'd get mosby's cat for 40, and saunders for another 40 and keep it under a hundred dollars. mosby's cat will give you a good idea how you'll do, and saunders has everything you need to pass the test.

good luck.

yvonnemuse, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2006

I test next week and used Saunders and the online Mosby's to assess myself. I will let you know how I do. I agree with the poster who said that Kaplan is cashing in on NClex anxiety.

LeesieBug · Jun 1, 2006

Our school offered a review class that would have cost 400 bucks, but we got it FREE (read as, "included in our tuition already":rolleyes:). I suffered through a day and a half of a woman with the personality of a brick reading key points out of a review book they gave us...then decided I could read the book on my own!

I would not spend the money on a class. EVERYONE I talk to who has passed says to just do LOTS AND LOTS of practice questions with a good review book, reading all the rationales.

FLAgal14 · Jun 1, 2006

I haven't taken the NCLEX yet but from my past experience with Kaplan I would say NAY! I also think Kaplan is a rip-off and I've done better studying on my own using a review book than in one of their classes. It's really up to the luck of the draw who the instructor will be and if they are good or not. I had one that really sucked and confused me more than I was before I came into the class.

johnnrachel · Jun 2, 2006

Dont waste your money on the kaplan review, go to the book store and use the kaplan book while you drink coffee. I paid way too much for the course and I firmly believe you can self study. Good luck.

NJNursing, ASN, RN · Jun 4, 2006

I'm currently taking the Kaplan course and I really like it so far. The information is really great, especially on the mentality of how the NCLEX thinks. When I interviewed for my job back in March, they asked if I was taking Kaplan. I told them I probably was. They said "good becuase of all the candidates that we had last year 3 did not take the Kaplan review and those 3 failed the NCLEX". That cemented me taking it. And the cost varies school to school depending on how the class representative negotiates the cost. We got ours for $299 but I've seen where some schools have paid upwards of $500 for it.

I like the Kaplan course book, it's a great comprehensive review - like all my ATI books rolled up into one. But if you can't afford it, don't kill yourself to take it. Just really put a lot of effort into reviewing the material and memorizing your lab values and medications. Any review book should be fine.

GrnHonu99, RN · Jun 4, 2006

I bought the Kaplan 05-06 review book and the whole first half are all the stratagies they are teaching in the review course plus 2 comprehensive tests int he book and an online question bank with 2k questions or so. From what I hear from my classmates I am getting the same thing for 25 dollars that they are getting for 300...BUT I do have to teach them to myself.

Received it friday and love it.